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West Marine has several products that address gelcoat cracking. I've used Capt. Tolley's Creeping Crack Cure with good success. Gluvit is also another highly recommended product for this.

Gary

03-26-2012 02:03 PM

scratchee

Re: Easiest way to repaint the deck?

Sorry for the thread hijack, but I'm not allowed to send PM's yet!

WDS (or anyone else,) can you recommend a filler that you've used to repair cracks in gelcoat before polishing? If I can do a decent job of this, then I may be able to forego painting for now. I'm not worried so much about color match as texture and finish. I'm interested in opinions based on personal experience with this process.

Thanks.

Edit: Please note that my edited post says I'm NOT worried so much about color match.

03-26-2012 11:52 AM

WDS123

Re: Easiest way to repaint the deck?

Newport,

Before even considering painting a deck, I'd try spiffing up the gel coat.

Get some polishing compound and test a small area. Buff and you might be pleasantly surprised.

WD Schock always prided themselves on using the highest quality gel coats available. I have seen some nasty looking boats transformed into shiny brand new looking vessels with just polishing compound and buffing.

03-26-2012 11:37 AM

travlineasy

Re: Easiest way to repaint the deck?

I'll check out the Sikkins stuff this afternoon when I get home.

Thanks JonB,

Gary

03-26-2012 12:44 AM

SloopJonB

Re: Easiest way to repaint the deck?

Quote:

Originally Posted by travlineasy

Thanks Smurf,

I saw a video about applying the non-skid and they pretty much said the same thing. It dries very fast, and you need to remove the tape immediately or you'll end up peeling off the finish you just applied. I also found some good information about using a new, silver tape that doesn't leave a residue and seals very well.

Hopefully, I'll be able to begin removing the deck hardware next Thursday, while it's still relatively cold up here in Maryland. I figured on three days of prep, then the fun begins. Cheers, Gary

I repeat my advice - check out the Sikkens stuff - NONE of those problems with application or the negatives with the finished surface and it provides as much grip as anything I've ever walked on. Those very coarse surfaces must be hard on sails & lines as well.

03-25-2012 11:53 PM

travlineasy

Re: Easiest way to repaint the deck?

Thanks Smurf,

I saw a video about applying the non-skid and they pretty much said the same thing. It dries very fast, and you need to remove the tape immediately or you'll end up peeling off the finish you just applied. I also found some good information about using a new, silver tape that doesn't leave a residue and seals very well.

Hopefully, I'll be able to begin removing the deck hardware next Thursday, while it's still relatively cold up here in Maryland. I figured on three days of prep, then the fun begins.

Cheers,

Gary

03-25-2012 11:10 PM

smurphny

Re: Easiest way to repaint the deck?

Quote:

Originally Posted by travlineasy

In the next few weeks I'll be removing as much deck hardware as possible, then begin the prep, which is mainly cleaning, sanding then cleaning again, and finally wiping the entire surface with solvent before painting. I'm probably going to go with Awlgrip for the glossy surfaces, and KiwiGrip for the non-skid. I sincerely believe that both products will give me at least 5 or more years of excellent service, and by that time I'll probably be too damned old to sail single-handed and sell the boat.

Cheers,

Gary

Things I learned about the Kiwi: 1. It dries too quickly to work alone if the temp. is high. On a hot day, have someone apply the goop and someone roll in the texture. 2. Get it off stuff quickly. REMOVE TAPE before it sets up hard because the tape will pull up edges if left on too long. 3. It's easy to get too much texture. Less is more. 4. It's easily overcoated and patched even after a couple of years. 5. Wash rollers quickly after use. 6. To get in around tight spots with texture, cut off pieces of roller cover and use by hand. 7. It covers really well so it's easy to make thin spots. A thick, even layer is best. If working with>1 person, think I'd use a notched trowel to apply as opposed to the way I do it alone by brush/guestimating thickness.

03-25-2012 09:42 PM

bljones

Re: Easiest way to repaint the deck?

Quote:

Originally Posted by SloopJonB

How about plain old pride of workmanship?

Back to Jones's Law- if it didn't leak before, it WILL leak after I touch it.
Pride of workmanship takes a backseat to prudence.

03-25-2012 09:22 PM

scratchee

Re: Easiest way to repaint the deck?

Quote:

Originally Posted by SloopJonB

How about plain old pride of workmanship?

I can't speak for BLJ, but in my case that brings us back to a realistic assessment of the time I have available. I am the type of person who would notice little details like that from a paint job I had done myself. Unfortunately, this means I'm also the type of person who won't even start a project for years, if ever, because of the time required. This time, I'd like to have a nice looking sailboat within a year rather than a pristine looking sailboat in ten years...or never.

Anyway, thanks to the OP and to those who gave advice here. I'll probably be using some of it.

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